Traditional Versus Digital Media-Based Hand Therapy After Distal Radius Fracture.

PURPOSE: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common injuries with a rising incidence. A substantial portion of the cost of care is attributable to therapy services. Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-directed hand therapy program guided by digital media compared with that of traditional therapy. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in patients aged 18 years or older who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of a DRF with volar plating. Subjects were randomized to traditional hand therapy using a 12-week protocol or an identical protocol presented in digital videos and performed at home. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were collected as the primary outcome at 2 weeks (baseline), 6 weeks, and 12 weeks or greater. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) scores, wrist and forearm range of motion, wrist circumference, and grip strength were recorded as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were enrolled. Forty-nine patients were included in the analysis-21 in the digital media group and 28 in the traditional group. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in QuickDASH scores between baseline and 12-week or greater time points. The QuickDASH scores in the digital media group were slightly more improved than those in the traditional group at the 6-week and 12-week or greater time points; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Pain VAS and VR-12 scores were comparable between group differences at each time point. CONCLUSIONS: Our digital media program was at least as effective as traditional therapy for patients undergoing volar plating of DRF. These results may help inform the design of future trials investigating the effectiveness of digital media-based hand therapy programs. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Humeral shaft fractures: a cost-effectiveness analysis of operative versus nonoperative management.

BACKGROUND: Humeral shaft fractures can be managed operatively or nonoperatively with functional bracing in the absence of neurovascular injury, open fracture, or polytrauma. A consensus on optimal management has not been reached, nor has the cost-effectiveness perspective been investigated. METHODS: A decision tree was constructed describing the management of humeral shaft fractures with open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF), intramedullary nailing (IMN), and functional bracing in a non-elderly population. Probabilities were defined using weighted averages determined from systematic review of the literature. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, measured in cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Willingness-to-pay thresholds of $50,000/QALY and $100,000/QALY were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-six studies were included. Using bracing as the referent in the health care model, we observed that bracing was the preferred strategy at both incremental cost-effectiveness ratio thresholds. ORIF and IMN had higher overall effectiveness (0.917 QALYs and 0.913 QALYs, respectively) compared with bracing (0.877 QALYs). The cost-effectiveness of bracing was driven by a substantially lower overall cost. In the societal model-accounting for both health care and societal costs-the cost difference narrowed between bracing, ORIF, and IMN. Bracing remained the preferred strategy at the $50,000/QALY threshold; ORIF was preferred at the $100,000/QALY threshold. ORIF and IMN were comparable strategies across a range of probability values in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Functional bracing, with its low cost and satisfactory clinical outcomes, is often the most cost-effective strategy for humeral shaft fracture management. ORIF becomes preferable at the higher willingness-to-pay threshold when societal burden is considered. QALY values for ORIF and IMN were comparable.

Optimizing Graft Extraction From the Femoral Condyle for Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in Treating Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum: Best Fit Based on Radius of Curvature.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a common cause of pain and dysfunction in adolescents that engage in repetitive elbow loading. For large, unstable lesions fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (FOCAT) from the femoral condyle has been described as an effective treatment. Current practice involves significant guesswork in obtaining an appropriately sized graft, with anatomic variations resulting in poor graft fit. No studies currently exist that analyze and identify the best distal femur FOCAT graft site to repair OCD lesions of the capitellum based on the radius of curvature (ROC) and simulated matching. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of the elbow were used to estimate the subchondral bone ROC of capitella in adolescents aged 11 to 21 years. The capitellar location used corresponds to the most commonly reported site of OCD lesions in the elbow. Computed tomography scans of the lower extremity were used to estimate the subchondral bone ROC of 4 potential donor femoral condyle grafts. ROC from distinct regions at the posterior section of both the medial and lateral femoral condyles were measured: 2 areas representing 10 mm grafts from the center (MC1 and LC1), and 2 areas estimating 10 mm grafts posterior and adjacent to the physeal scar (MC2 and LC2). Intraobserver and interobserver reliability measurements were preformed to corroborate precision and validate the method. RESULTS: The mean ROC of healthy subchondral bone at the region of the capitellum were OCD lesions most commonly occur was 9.79±1.39 mm. The mean ROC of MC1 was 18.61±2.26 mm. The average ROC of the MC2 was 15.23±1.43 mm. The average ROC of LC1 was 16.47±1.34 mm. The average ROC of LC2 was 18.19±3.09 mm. After 15,000 simulated condyle-to-capitellar site matchings based on these measurements, a good fit graft was achieved at a frequency of 15%. DISCUSSION: No site measured from the femoral condyle demonstrated a subchondral ROC that exactly matched the subchondral ROC of the capitellum at the center location where OCD lesions most commonly occur; of the locations measured, a 10 mm section from MC2 demonstrated the closest match. On the basis of this analysis, extracting a graft from MC2 has the potential to further optimize FOCAT fit to the capitellum. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Use of a Large Tenaculum Clamp as a Reduction Technique for Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

Distal radius fractures are common upper extremity injuries requiring surgical treatment. In the context of management with a volar locking plate (VLP), a number of described techniques assist with restoration of individual anatomical parameters such as radial length, volar tilt, and articular congruity. We present a surgical technique that utilizes a large tenaculum bone clamp to provide an efficacious reduction in several planes. With anteroposterior compression, the clamp enables volar translation of the distal fracture fragment. This compression also decreases the interval between the distal portion of the VLP and the fracture fragments. With a rotational force, the clamp can restore volar tilt of the articular surface. By positioning the tines of the clamp across the fracture in the coronal plane, a clamping force can correct medial or lateral translation of the distal fracture fragment. Proper reduction substantially minimizes complications such as abrasion or rupture of the flexor tendons along the VLP.

Minimally Invasive Surgery: Is There a Role in Distal Radius Fracture Management?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review explores minimally invasive surgical techniques for distal radius fractures and guides their use in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, volar locked plating. RECENT FINDINGS: Fractures of the lunate facet, die-punch fractures, and marginal articular shear injuries present challenges that cannot be easily addressed with volar plating. The use of external fixation, Kirschner wires, and dorsal bridge plating should all be considered. These techniques, in combination and in addition to volar locked plating, continue to play an important role in fracture management. Arthroscopically assisted surgery with minimally invasive fixation allows for detailed inspection of the radiocarpal joint. Closed treatment and casting continue to play an important role in distal radius fracture care. The role of minimally invasive surgery for distal radius fractures is still being defined. While fixation using a volar locking plate is by far the most common treatment method, other techniques should be considered to improve outcomes and decrease complications.

Tendon Transfers for the Treatment of Finger Flexion Weakness in a Patient With Inclusion Body Myositis: A Case Report.

CASE: We describe a 71-year-old patient with inclusion body myositis (IBM), characterized by progressive atrophy and weakness in his left upper extremity. This patient underwent extensor carpi radialis longus to flexor pollicis longus and brachioradialis to flexor digitorum profundus tendon transfers in the left upper extremity to reduce IBM-related functional deficits. He had noticeable improvements in finger flexion after the transfers, which have been sustained for 2 years after the procedure. CONCLUSION: This case reinforces that this novel tendon transfer may be an effective treatment option to improve hand function and activities of daily living in patients with IBM.

Does Resident Participation in the Surgical Fixation of Hip Fractures Increase Operative Time or Affect Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Surgical fixation of hip fractures is a common procedure at teaching hospitals with resident support and in community hospitals. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated to what extent participation by residents in hip fracture fixation affects operative times or outcomes. SETTING: Operations were performed by three surgeons who operate at a teaching hospital with resident support, and at a community hospital without residents in the same metropolitan area. PARTICIPANTS: We performed a retrospective analysis of operative time and early post-operative outcomes on a series of 314 patients with hip fractures (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association A1-3, B1-3) treated with surgical fixation between April 2012 and March 2015; 177 patients at the community hospital, and 137 at the teaching hospital. METHODS: Multivariate regression assessed the effect of hospital type, adjusting for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologist classification, and Charlson comorbidity index. RESULTS: We found lower median operative time at the community hospital than the teaching hospital (46 minutes, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [43, 52] versus 75 minutes, 95% CI = [70, 81]) and lower estimated blood loss (177.3 mL, 95% CI=[158.6, 195.1] versus 234.8 mL, 95% CI = [196.4, 273.6]), but no differences in transfusion requirement, length of stay, or discharge to skilled nursing facility. Adjusted odds ratio for thirty-day mortality at the teaching hospital was 5.44 (95% CI = [1.22, 24.1]). CONCLUSION: We found longer operative times and elevated estimated blood loss with resident involvement in surgical fixation of hip fractures. There was a difference in 30-day mortality between the groups, although this cannot simply be attributed to resident involvement as there are many other factors related to mortality.

Neer Type-II Distal Clavicle Fractures: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Fixation Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Neer type-II distal clavicle fractures are unstable and are generally appropriately managed with operative fixation. Fixation options include locking plates, hook plates, and suture button devices. No consensus on optimal technique exists. METHODS: A decision tree model was created describing fixation of Neer type-II fractures using hook plates, locking plates, or suture buttons. Outcomes included uneventful healing, symptomatic implant removal, deep infection requiring debridement, and nonunion requiring revision. Weighted averages derived from a systematic review were used for probabilities. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated by calculating incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). The ICER is defined as the ratio of the difference in cost and difference in effectiveness of each strategy, and is measured in cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The model was evaluated using thresholds of $50,000/QALY and $100,000/QALY. Sensitivity analysis was performed on all outcome probabilities for each fixation strategy to assess cost-effectiveness across a range of values. RESULTS: Forty-three papers met final inclusion criteria. Using suture buttons as the reference case in the health-care cost model, suture button repair was dominant (both less expensive and clinically superior). Hook plates cost substantially more ($5,360.52) compared with suture buttons and locking plates ($3,713.50 and $4,007.44, respectively). Suture buttons and locking plates yielded similar clinical outcomes (0.92 and 0.91 QALY, respectively). Suture button dominance persisted in the societal perspective model. Sensitivity analysis on outcome probabilities showed that locking plates became the most cost-effective strategy if the revision rate after their use was lowered to 2.2%, from the overall average in the sources of >19%. No other changes in outcome probabilities for any of the 3 techniques allowed suture buttons to be surpassed as the most cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: The cost-effectiveness of suture buttons is driven by low revision rates and high uneventful healing rates. Similar QALY values for locking plate and suture button fixation were observed, which is consistent with existing literature that has failed to identify either as the clinically superior technique. Cost-effectiveness should fit prominently into the decision-making rubric for these injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A new technique for olecranon osteotomy in the treatment of distal humeral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Olecranon osteotomy is a commonly used method for obtaining adequate exposure of the articular surface in complex distal humeral fractures. We describe a new technique whereby a precontoured olecranon plate is first fixed to the olecranon, and a Gigli saw is used to perform the osteotomy while the plate is in place. METHODS: By use of a standard posterior approach, a precontoured olecranon plate is applied to the olecranon and affixed with screws both proximally and distally to the planned osteotomy site. A Gigli saw is passed anterior to the olecranon and is used to create an osteotomy through the bare area of the sigmoid notch. The plate is removed from the distal fragment. The proximal olecranon fragment, plate, and extensor mechanism are retracted proximally en bloc to expose the articular surface. After fracture repair, the osteotomy fragments are reapproximated, and the plate is reattached to the distal fragment. QuickDASH (short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) scores for patients treated with this technique were compared with those of patients treated with the standard chevron osteotomy method. RESULTS: All patients achieved radiographic and clinical union of the osteotomy site. QuickDASH, VR-12 physical, and VR-12 mental scores were not significantly different from those of patients in the chevron osteotomy group (P = .93, P = .79, and P = .68, respectively; t test). CONCLUSION: The described method provides excellent visualization of the joint, is less technically challenging than the standard chevron osteotomy, and reduces operative time. Osteotomy union was attained in all 5 cases, with functional outcomes comparable with those attained with the chevron technique.

Multiple Cultures and Extended Incubation for Upper Extremity Revision Arthroplasty Affect Clinical Care: A Cohort Study.

Skin flora organisms (SFOs) isolated from 1 to 2 tissue samples during shoulder and elbow revision arthroplasty are difficult to distinguish as contamination or infection. We examined the change in clinical care after implementation of an Arthroplasty Infection Protocol by increasing the number of intraoperative samples held for 10-day incubation to a minimum of 5. METHODS: Infection was defined as ≥3 cultures growing the same SFO or any one culture growing any other virulent organism. SFOs growing in 1 to 2 samples were defined as skin flora contaminant. All cases were compared with pre-Arthroplasty Infection Protocol institution standard to determine changes in microbiological diagnosis and resultant antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: Forty cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 50% of these were culture negative, and 35% grew Propionibacteria. When compared with the standard of obtaining one sample, this protocol altered the microbiological diagnosis and subsequent antibiotic treatment in 45% of cases (95% confidence interval 29% to 62%). This protocol had a predictive value of joint sterility in 95% of culture-negative cases (95% confidence interval 74% to 99%). DISCUSSION: The addition of 5 or more samples held for 10-day incubation reliably differentiated between joint infection, contamination, and sterility, which changed the course of care in 45% of surgical cases.

Cadaveric biomechanical analysis of the distal radioulnar joint: influence of wrist isolation on accurate measurement and the effect of ulnar styloid fracture on stability.

PURPOSE: Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability can be tested using biomechanical cadaveric models, but inadequate isolation of the DRUJ during instability testing may introduce measurement error. The first goal of this investigation was to develop an effective model for isolating the DRUJ during biomechanical cadaveric testing. The second goal was to use this model to measure the effect of ulnar styloid fracture and subsequent repair on DRUJ kinematics in cadaveric specimens. METHODS: Five fresh cadaveric arms were tested using a Biodex System 3 device. The humerus was clamped firmly, the forearm rotated freely, and the hand/carpus was attached to the Biodex device. Three methods of DRUJ isolation were tested. In method 1, the specimen was firmly clamped at the midshaft humerus and the hand/carpus was clamped. In method 2, the distal radius was additionally fixed to the carpal clamp to reduce carpal motion. In method 3, proximal fixation of the olecranon to an elbow rest was added. Testing was done before ulnar styloid osteotomy (group 1), after osteotomy through dorsal capsulotomy (group 2), and after styloid fragment repair with a screw (group 3). Twelve pronation-supination cycles were performed while work of rotation, maximum pronation torque, and maximum supination torque for each method and group were recorded. RESULTS: Analysis of clamping methods showed work of rotation, maximum pronation torque, and maximum supination torque for method 3 were greater than those for methods 1 and 2. Analysis of groups showed the following statistically significant trends for work of rotation: group 1 >>> group 3 > group 2. Maximum supination torque similarly showed statistically significant differences: group 1 >>> group 3 > group 2. Maximum pronation torque showed a similar trend: group 1 >>> group 3 > group 2. However, in contrast with work of rotation and maximum supination torque, group 3 maximum pronation torque was not statistically different from that of group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Increased work of rotation represents decreased joint laxity. Maximum supination torque and maximum pronation torque assess soft tissue restraints at joint end points. Method 3 showed the greatest values in these variables, indicating reduced elbow and carpal motion and better DRUJ isolation. Work of rotation and maximum supination torque in group 3 were increased from those of group 2 but not restored to group 1 values. Styloid fixation restores some soft tissue tension but laxity persists. Maximum pronation torque in group 3 was not increased significantly from that of group 2, perhaps from dorsal capsulotomy causing soft tissue injury and laxity not corrected with fixation. The influence of ulnar styloid fracture on dynamic DRUJ kinematics can be demonstrated in this model.

Nonsurgical Treatment of Delayed-Onset Brachial Plexopathy Due to Hypertrophic Clavicular Callus: A Case Report.

Clavicular fractures are common injuries that traditionally are managed nonsurgically without clinically significant sequelae. However, they may develop hypertrophic callus formation that compresses the brachial plexus. These cases may present months to years after initial injury with varying degrees of pain, paresthesia, and weakness on the affected side and usually are treated by surgical resection of the hypertrophic callus. We present a case of brachial plexopathy due to hypertrophic clavicular callus causing weakness and paresthesia. The plexopathy was confirmed with imaging and electrodiagnostic studies. This case was unusual in that resolution of symptoms was achieved nonsurgically. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Drill Penetration Injury to Extensor Tendons: A Biomechanical Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about extensor tendon failure following drill injury at the time of volar plate fixation. Our goals were to analyze extensor tendon injury following simulated drill penetration, and change in tendon displacement during cyclic loading following simulated drill penetration injury. METHODS: Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendons were harvested from 9 fresh frozen cadaveric arms. Eighteen EPL and 18 ECRB samples were created from harvested tendons. Drill penetration injury was performed in either a continuous or an oscillating mode. Injured tendons were subjected to 1200 cycles at 1- to 15-kg cyclic load at a frequency of 1 Hz, and analyzed for failure at drill sites and change in displacement throughout the testing cycle. RESULTS: Ten EPL samples and 16 ECRB samples completed testing without failure. Tendon type (ECRB, EPL), mode of injury (continuous, oscillating), and location (proximal, distal) did not affect tendon displacement during loading. A single EPL tendon failed following continuous drill penetration injury. Extensor carpi radialis brevis samples had a mean change in displacement of 2.8 (standard deviation [SD]: 1.5 mm) and 5.9 mm (SD: 4.7 mm) for oscillating and continuous modes, respectively. Six EPL samples had a mean change in displacement of 4.7 (SD: 2.7 mm) and 4.3 mm (SD: 1.8 mm) for oscillating and continuous modes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Complete extensor tendon failure due to drill penetration was rare. Drill mode did not affect the degree of elongation. Increasing cyclic loading of extensor tendons after drill injury caused modest extensor tendon elongation.

Effectiveness of a microvascular surgery training curriculum for orthopaedic surgery residents.

BACKGROUND: The safe and effective acquisition of microvascular surgical skills is a challenge for any residency program. Variable clinical exposure to microsurgery, premiums on operating room efficiency, and a steep learning curve make these skills difficult to acquire through clinical experience alone. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a training curriculum on the development of microvascular surgical skills in our orthopaedic residents. METHODS: A microvascular training curriculum was completed during each third-year resident's rotation on the hand and upper-extremity service. The training cycle began with learning the basics of microvascular surgery on nonliving models and progressed to performing end-to-end arterial anastomoses on a live rat femoral artery in the second session. Outcome evaluations consisted of the Global Rating Scale score, achievement of patency, and time to completion. T test analyses of Global Rating Scale scores, achievement of patency, and time to completion were conducted to determine significance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: All residents significantly improved (p < 0.005) on Global Rating Scale scores from a mean score (and standard deviation) of 15 ± 4 points for the initial score to 20 ± 3 points for the post-test score. Of the twelve residents, patency was achieved by eleven at the final evaluation, compared with six before training. Time to completion of the anastomosis also significantly improved (p < 0.005), from a mean of 37:17 ± 8:41 minutes for the initial time to 24:46 ± 5:32 minutes for the final time. CONCLUSIONS: In an effort to improve the microvascular surgical skills of orthopaedic residents at our institution, a microvascular training curriculum was developed and was implemented. This curriculum was effective at improving resident microvascular surgical skills at the completion of an eight-week course.

Late reconstruction of median nerve palsy.

The median nerve provides sensory innervation to the radial aspect of the hand, including the palm, thumb, index, long, and half of the ring fingers. It provides motor innervation to most of the volar forearm musculature and, importantly, to m ost of thenar musculature. The main goal of median nerve reconstructive procedures is to restore thumb opposition. There are a variety of transfers that can achieve this goal but tendon transfers must recreate thumb opposition, which involves 3 basics movements: thumb abduction, flexion, and pronation. Many tendon transfers exist and the choice of tendon transfer should be tailored to the patient's needs.